Development and Evaluation of an Interactive English Conversation Learning System with a Mobile Device Using Topics Based on the Life of the Learner

Motivating Japanese EFL (English as a foreign language) learners is essential in order for them to learn English conversation effectively. We developed an English conversation mobile learning system based on a heuristic model of variables influencing the concept of “willing to communicate” by MacIntyre et al. The system has three features: an application that learners can use anywhere and anytime, topics based on the interests and lives of learners, and pseudo-interactive and agreeable English conversation. The results of an experiment and analysis revealed that the topics based on the interests and lives of learners might be effective for talking in English with relaxed from the beginning and for talking with motivation, while a pseudo-interactive and agreeable English conversation style might work well in helping learners evaluate themselves to speak more fluently, express themselves better, and speak in a more relaxed manner as they continue to practice speaking.